I wrote about reactions to the possible British Airways strike earlier in the week which indicated a feeling of disenchantment towards the airline from passengers. However, a recent consumer poll has found that 75% of people are actually behind BA in the dispute with its cabin crew, describing them as “overpaid and underworked”.

Only 20% of the 1,087 people asked gave support to the flight attendants, who they endorsed as being “the best in the industry”. The remaining five per cent said they would consider backing the strike but only if their flight was not affected by any disruption it brought about.

The online poll was conducted by Cheapflights UK. It closed two hours before the result of the Unite union strike ballot was announced.

Participants were asked whether they would support BA cabin crew if industrial action was called, choosing from three responses: Yes, No or Maybe. The results point to overwhelming support for BA in the row over pay and working conditions.

“This survey definitively adds the flying public to the chorus of voices already pleading with cabin crew to see sense and call off the strike,” said Cheapflights global brand director Joseph Sikorsky, a former BA head office employee.

“BA cabin crew are far more privileged than their counterparts at airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Bmi and EasyJet.

“The changes that have been made to their working conditions reflect fundamental restructuring which is vital if the flag carrier is to avoid the fate of so many other airlines that ceased operations during the recession.

“The numbers speak for themselves, and our survey shows that passengers have no illusions about the gravity of BA’s predicament.

“Cabin crew will only add to their woes if they press on with this damaging and unjustifiable strike.”

Is this support for British Airways reflected by the readers of this blog? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below, it’s always interesting to get some different opinions.